Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Fe-Mn bimetallic peroxidase-like compound with nanoconfined zero-valent iron achieves enhanced catalytic degradation of phenolic pollutants, demonstrating the synergistic effect of bimetals in boosting oxidation efficiency (LV et al., 2024). • • Co3O4/CoFe2O4 hollow nanocube multifunctional nanozyme with oxygen vacancies enables deep-learning-assisted smartphone biosensing and organic pollutant degradation, showcasing multi-enzyme activity and sensor integration (JIANG et al., 2023). • • Single-atom manganese nanozyme mediated membrane reactor achieves water decontamination, highlighting the potential of single-atom catalysts in continuous-flow treatment systems (SUN et al., 2025). • • Nitrogen-doped bismuth ferrite nanozymes with tailored electronic structure degrade organic pollutants, indicating that doping and electronic structure engineering are critical for enhancing catalytic performance (GUO et al., 2024).
Abstract
Nanozymes, nanomaterials capable of mimicking natural enzyme catalytic activity, exhibit exceptional stability, high catalytic activity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, demonstrating immense potential in water treatment. This review article delves into the applications of metal nanozymes in water treatment, focusing on the pivotal roles of peroxidase-like, oxidase-like, and multi-enzyme active nanozymes. In this article, the central role of metals of nanozymes in the catalytic activity was analyzed, enhancing catalytic activity and the oxidation efficiency of pollutants. It is emphasized that the synergistic effect of bimetals further enhances catalytic activity and the oxidation efficiency of contaminants. This article offers profound insights into the catalytic mechanisms of nanozymes, providing a reference for selecting appropriate metals based on the characteristics of water pollution and developing metal nanozymes with specific catalytic activities.
1. Introduction
Conventional water treatment technologies face significant bottlenecks: biological enzymes suffer from high extraction costs, poor stability under extreme pH and temperature, and limited reusability, restricting their application in harsh water matrices. Chemical oxidation methods often require high energy input or generate secondary pollution. Metal nanozymes, first discovered in 2007, offer a robust alternative by mimicking enzymatic activity with nanomaterial-based catalysts, providing high stability, cost-effectiveness, and tunable catalytic properties.
This review systematically analyzes the progress of metal nanozymes in water treatment, focusing on peroxidase-like, oxidase-like, and multi-enzyme active nanozymes. The central role of metal selection and bimetallic synergy is emphasized, as these factors critically determine catalytic activity and pollutant degradation efficiency. By understanding the underlying mechanisms, researchers can tailor nanozyme compositions to target specific water pollutants, overcoming the limitations of traditional treatment methods.
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ZHANG Kaiting, XIE Yuwei, FENG Mingbao (2026). Research Progress on the Application of Metal Nanozymes in Water Treatment. Environmental Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025012001
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main advantages of metal nanozymes over natural enzymes for water treatment applications?
Metal nanozymes offer superior stability under harsh conditions (e.g., high temperature, extreme pH), lower production costs, and ease of规模化 production and recycling. They also exhibit high catalytic activity and can be engineered for specific pollutant degradation, as demonstrated by Fe-Mn bimetallic compounds and single-atom catalysts.
How does bimetallic synergy enhance the catalytic performance of nanozymes?
Bimetallic synergy, such as in Fe-Mn compounds, enhances electron transfer and provides multiple active sites, leading to increased catalytic activity and oxidation efficiency. This is evidenced by enhanced degradation of phenolic pollutants compared to monometallic counterparts.
What are the challenges in scaling up metal nanozyme production for industrial water treatment?
Scalability challenges include maintaining uniform nanoparticle size and morphology, ensuring reproducibility of catalytic activity, and developing cost-effective synthesis methods. Additionally, long-term stability and potential leaching of metal ions must be addressed to meet regulatory standards.
Can metal nanozymes be integrated into existing water treatment infrastructure?
Yes, nanozymes can be incorporated into membrane reactors (e.g., single-atom Mn nanozyme membrane reactor) or used as heterogeneous catalysts in batch or continuous flow systems. Their compatibility with existing treatment trains depends on factors such as particle size, surface functionalization, and reactor design.
What is the environmental impact of using metal nanozymes, particularly regarding metal toxicity?
While nanozymes are generally considered environmentally friendly, the potential toxicity of metal components (e.g., Co, Mn) requires careful assessment. Strategies such as using iron-based nanozymes or immobilizing metals on supports can mitigate risks. Life cycle assessments are necessary to ensure overall sustainability.
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